Accelerating AI Adoption in British Columbia

We are excited to share the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's latest report, Accelerating AI Adoption in B.C. The report highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) can boost productivity and efficiency in B.C.’s economy and outlines key recommendations for leveraging this opportunity.

This report is part of our Agenda for Economic Growth – The 3% Challenge, which calls for 3% annual GDP growth in British Columbia. Advancing AI adoption is key to this goal, particularly for small businesses that risk being left behind.

"As we face global economic challenges, AI can help increase productivity, protecting our economy and jobs," said Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of GVBOT. "By embracing AI, B.C. could capture a significant portion of the $180 billion productivity boost Canada is expected to see."

To fully capitalize on this opportunity, we recommend the provincial government:

• Encourage and enable the public and private sectors to adopt AI by
• Creating clear, consistent, and predictable provincial regulations that encourage innovation while addressing ethical and privacy concerns.
• Ensure a sufficient AI talent pool by
• Leveraging and promoting and existing training programs in B.C. like the GVBOT and KPMG AI Adoption Program for B.C. workers at all career stages and across the province.
• Harness data for public good by
• Expanding access to government datasets under open-data policies to enable AI solutions.

With Web Summit 2025 approaching, Greater Vancouver has a unique chance to showcase itself as a global leader in innovation and investment.

AI adoption could save workers up to 125 hours annually, resulting in an 8% productivity increase. However, 73% of Canadian SMEs have yet to adopt AI, signaling a need for greater awareness and support. Sectors like professional services and real estate are leading AI adoption, but industries such as construction and transportation represent untapped potential.

“Growth through increased productivity is a surefire way to achieve sustained economic growth which raises incomes, creates opportunities, and drives innovation” added Anderson “Put simply, a more productive society is a richer society for all.”